Why We Don't Let Campers Have Phones (And Why It Works)

At Camp WeHaKee, we have a "no phones" policy for campers and counselors, and we know that can feel like a big deal! It’s usually one of the very first things parents ask us about, often with a little bit of worry: "But what if she needs to reach me?" Interestingly, it’s also one of the top reasons families tell us they want their daughters to come back the following summer.

So, why no phones in our program?

Here’s the heart of it: a phone is like a little portal to somewhere else, and camp truly is best when you’re right here. Not scrolling, not checking notifications, but fully present with the people around you.

Think about how a phone changes the vibe of a cabin at night. One girl might get a text from home that makes her feel homesick. Another might see a post on Instagram that sparks some "FOMO" or school drama. Suddenly, the world she came to camp to step away from has followed her into her bunk. WeHaKee has been around since 1923, and we’ve seen firsthand that when girls are fully "unplugged," they connect with each other in a way that just doesn't happen when a screen is involved.

What the experts (and the research) say

It’s not just us—the data backs it up! A Pew Research study found that nearly half of all teens feel overwhelmed by social media drama. Camp removes that pressure entirely. For a few weeks, your daughter lives in a world where nobody is "performing" for an audience (unless they're signed up for musical theatre!) or worried about how they look in a post.

The American Camp Association also finds that screen-free camps lead to better self-confidence and stronger friendships. These aren't just abstract ideas; they’re the real changes parents notice when their daughters come home standing a little taller.

How we stay connected

Just because there aren't phones doesn't mean you won't hear from her! We love the "old-fashioned" way of communicating.

• The Campanion App: You can send letters and view camp photos through the app. We print letters at 12pm every day and deliver them during Valley Time at 4:30pm.
• Snail Mail: Your daughter can write back using real paper and stamps, and you can send a letter her way too. There’s something so special about a letter from home that she can tuck under her pillow and reread whenever she wants. It’s a keepsake that a text message just can’t replace!

What about emergencies?

If there’s a genuine family emergency and you need to reach her, please call us directly at 608-787-8304. Our office team is always here to help and will make sure you’re connected.

What do the girls actually think?

Most campers are a little skeptical at first, but by the end of the first week, they usually stop thinking about their phones altogether. By the time they’re heading home, many say the break from technology was one of their favorite parts of the summer! They discover what it feels like to be somewhere 100%, without the constant itch to check a screen.

A note for nervous parents

We know it’s often harder for parents than kids! The anxiety usually comes from not being able to check in or see her face. That’s a completely normal feeling. Just remember: no news from WeHaKee is great news. With our 2:1 staff ratio and licensed nurses on-site, your daughter is in wonderful hands.

When you pick her up, you might notice something special in the car ride home. Instead of reaching for a phone, she’ll likely be talking—really talking—sharing stories and processing her summer out loud. That’s the gift of a screen-free summer: it rebuilds the habit of face-to-face connection.